Justin Timberlake Could Be the Next David Hasselhoff in a ‘Baywatch’ Movie?

Could Justin Timberlake be bringing sexy back … to the beach? Rumor has it that Paramount wants the ‘Bad Teacher’ and ‘Friends with Benefits’ star to lead its planned reboot of the ‘Baywatch’ franchise – and we have details about how they would use him.

First, let’s put things into perspective. A ‘Baywatch’ movie has been in some form of pre-production ever since the television show went off the air in 1999. The program ran for 11 seasons, and even spawned an offshoot series ‘Baywatch: Hawaii,’ so you can understand why studios would want to get suntanned and muscle-toned actors into the recognizable red swim trunks so they can sprint (in slow motion) across the sand.

Now, Twitch says Timberlake is being pursued by producers Ivan Reitman, Beau Flynn and Tripp Vinson, who envision the pop singer as this generation’s version of David Hasselhoff. They even have a plot line established for Timberlake’s character. Apparently he’d play a “disgraced former Olympic swimmer” who has to apply for the Baywatch squad when all else has failed.

The producers could do far worse that Timberlake. But does the former boy-band leader have to do a ‘Baywatch’ movie? He’s adding more prestigious projects to his acting resume every day. He’ll soon be seen in Joel and Ethan Coen’s ‘Inside Llewyn Davis.’ And he’s shooting ‘Runner, Runner’ with Ben Affleck. ‘Baywatch’ might be beneath him.

Or maybe the script is very funny and Timberlake can get on board. We’ll find out soon enough. What do you think of the casting idea? Is it a step in the right direction for J.T.? Or has he moved past projects like this in favor of more prestigious titles?